Canandaigua teen spreading holiday cheer to troops, veterans

CANANDAIGUA — As the holiday season nears, a Canandaigua Academy sophomore has dedicated herself to bringing joy and giving thanks to those who have served in the military.

For the third year, Alyssa Benziger is participating in the American Red Cross’s Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Through the program, the Red Cross collects holiday cards between October and early December to distribute at military installations, veterans hospitals and other locations.

Benziger said she learned about the program from Red Cross volunteer Roger Kessler, of South Bristol. In her first year of making cards, Benziger made a goal of 50 cards. Last year, she collected about 200 cards. She wants to make even more this year.

Each of her cards — which Benziger said are distributed to active members of the military, veterans and military families — is handmade and includes a note to the receiver.

“I always write how I’m really thankful they served our country and that I hope they have a happy holiday season,” she said. “ … I just hope to put a smile on their faces and make them happy.”

Benziger added that her uncle, Thomas Milliman, was in the Army, and her grandfather, Howard Milliman, was in the Army Air Corps. She said she has also considered being in the military.

“It just seems like a great way to help the country out,” she said.

Benziger held a card-making party Monday, Veterans Day, at her home with about 15 of her friends. She is also enlisting the help of her school’s Key Club, and a Girl Scout troop that a couple of her friends take part in is making some cards.

“It’s really nice; it’s really helpful,” Benziger said. “Having more people making cards makes it so much easier and fun.”

Benziger said the card-making will be ongoing up until the Dec. 6 deadline. More about Holiday Mail for Heroes Holiday cards can be dropped off locally at the West Ontario office of the American Red Cross, located at 5297 Parkside Drive, Suite 301, Canandaigua. Cards will be collected up until Dec. 6, and the office will be helping to distribute them within the community and to the outlying areas. Volunteers are welcome to help sort the cards and can participate by calling (585) 394-2260. For more information on the program, visit redcross.org.

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